[Child of the 7th Age]

"Oh, no, Laurie, everything is not alright. Mistress Pio was not pleased to discover that 17 hobbits will be eating her out of house and home. And now she has left the entire party preparations in my hands, only I have very little time. At the rate we are going, I will have to ask the guests to come into the kitchen and start cooking."

"Could you possibly take on some of these duties, and dole them out among the kitchen staff and whoever else you can persuade? The party room must be cleaned and streamers and garlands put up, and a grand cake made and decorated. Whoever helps will get to share in the feast, and to meet Frodo, and Samwise, and Bilbo when they come."

Cami wasn't sure what Mistress Pio would say to the latter arrangement, but there was really no way for her to object. Later tonight, I'll suggest some names of folk who might help, but meanwhile you are welcome to contact anyone you want, or to figure out a way to do the work yourself."

Cami threw on her coat and ran out the door, harnessing the pony to the cart for a trip to the market. She carried along a long shopping list.